Despite being relatively shy, training among his boyhood heroes, Stubbs recalled how Rooney quickly excelled, solid as a rock, more dedicated and hungry than anyone in the squad and with ridiculous amounts of skill for a boy so young.

Having seen this in the flesh at such a young age, Stubbs never had any doubt that Rooney would go on to achieve what he has in the game.

"He was unbelievable, the best I've ever experienced," Stubbs said on Rooney. "He was playing for the under-18s at 14, and he was doing what he was doing then.

"You look at him and go, wow, he was doing that he shouldn't have been doing.

"His movement, his awareness, his strength, he was 16 but was physically a man. He was special."

Stubbs went on to raise the interesting point that, even at a young age, Rooney could play every position. We have seen the Everton legend be deployed in a number of roles in the last few years, especially as he approached his thirties, and his ability to play anywhere across the front as well as in deeper central midfield positions is testament to his wonderful ability.

"He had everything, Wayne was one of them players, he had everything, he could play any position and would be very good in them positions," Stubbs added.

With a squad loaded full of number 10s, Rooney's versatility has come as a huge asset to Everton this season. His return to Goodison Park has seen him play through the spine of the pitch, featuring as a centre-forward, attacking midfielder and most recently in a central midfield position.

With 10 goals in 20 Premier League appearances for the Toffees this season, the England veteran is doing all he can to silence his many critics.